Admittedly, what he said was racist and reprehensible; however, the man was expressing his racist views to his girlfriend in a private conversation that was recorded and subsequently made public without his knowledge or consent. It isn't as if he voluntarily went public with his opinions.

I thought the First Amendment protected the free expression of even obnoxious speech? He did nothing illegal, and I think his punishment should have been more appropriately meted out by the court of public opinion, rather than NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Edward Lumas; Grand Rapids, Mich.

Right to ban sterling

The NBA's decision to ban "Master" Sterling for life is a slam dunk! His name is forever tarnished. The sooner he's forced to make a fast break from the owner's box, the better. I vote for Magic Johnson to buy the Los Angeles Clippers!

Berith Jacobsen; Denver

Question of morality

It is an interesting commentary on the state of our society that we are outraged at Sterling's comments about African Americans, but we do not even bat an eyelash that they were made by a married man to his girlfriend.